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Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds. Carbon atoms not only form very strong bonds with each other, but uniquely in chemistry, with other elements. When bonded with hydrogen, carbon atoms form hydrocarbons. When oxygen is added, the compound is a carbohydrate. These and similar substances form the molecular basis of living organisms, energy sources, plastics, synthetic fibers and medicines. As a result, organic chemists work in diverse sectors from industry to health care and research.

Forensic Analyst

An organic chemistry major provides a good preparation for jobs in forensic science. A forensic analyst works with water, soil, human, plant and other types of samples to test for contamination such as poisons or other substances. Most forensic science jobs are in police departments or government agencies. Organic chemistry is vital for this position but it has to be followed by graduate degrees or courses in forensic science, DNA analysis and even aspects of the law. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2010 median pay of $51,570 for forensic science technicians and expects jobs in this sector to grow by 19 percent between 2010 and 2020.

Environmental Chemist

An environmental chemist investigates chemical processes in the environment that are affected by human activity. The activities may range from new construction to mining and waste disposal, in particular hazardous products and pharmaceuticals. Expertise in organic chemistry is fundamental to this work. Most jobs also require a master’s or doctorate in environmental science. Although many jobs in this sector are in government agencies, health care and research institutions, environmental chemists are also employed by the energy, mining, food and pharmaceutical industries. The 2010 median pay for environmental scientists and specialists is $61,700, according to the BLS, and jobs are expected to grow by 19 percent between 2010 and 2020.

Food Scientist

Food scientists work to improve the nutritional value, taste, presentation, preservation and packaging of foods for humans and animals. They solve problems related to food production, and work together with nutritionists to devise special diets for sportsmen, astronauts and certain medical conditions. Food scientists work in government agencies, such as NASA, the food and agriculture industries and in health care. An organic chemistry major together with a master’s or doctorate in food science or nutrition is the best qualification for jobs in this sector. The BLS reports agricultural and food scientists earned a 2010 median wage of $58,450. The BLS expects employment in this sector to increase by 10 percent between 2010 and 2020.

Textile Chemist

Organic chemists provide essential expertise in the natural and synthetic textile industries. They investigate new methods of treating raw natural materials such as wool, cotton, silk and bamboo to create more durable and attractive fabrics, as well as the chemical compositions of the dyes used to color them. Synthetic textile manufacture is a version of organic chemistry as the chemist investigates improved ways of producing polymer fibers like acrylics, polyesters and nylons. Chemical companies that manufacture synthetic textiles offer entry-level jobs for organic chemistry majors together with on-the-job training. A master’s degree in textile chemistry will enhance job prospects for an organic chemistry major. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that chemists in textile mills earned a median $73,570 in 2011.

About the Author

Based in London, Maria Kielmas worked in earthquake engineering and international petroleum exploration before entering journalism in 1986. She has written for the "Financial Times," "Barron's," "Christian Science Monitor," and "Rheinischer Merkur" as well as specialist publications on the energy and financial industries and the European, Middle Eastern, African, Asian and Latin American regions. She has a Bachelor of Science in physics and geology from Manchester University and a Master of Science in marine geotechnics from the University of Wales School of Ocean Sciences.